Mount Jerai — Local services in Kedah

My nephew decided to show me the top of the 3,993 ft. Mount Jerai, so I accepted the challenges, but wait, we’re not going hiking but driving! We drove up to the top. The charge was less than 10 if you drive your car. My sister came with us to check out the strawberry farm. We were up here for a few hours to see the views and scenery and visit the strawberry farm. The temperature was mild. There’s a cafe for everyone to enjoy but not that big. I noticed a sky cycling connection for those who like to challenge themselves. There’s a glass floor scenic view, but smaller size that could accommodate 10 people at a time. The views from the top were beautiful. I got to see beautiful trees in the area. They keep the place clean and neat for the tourists. I wonder how the night scene is up here; it must be quiet and dark. The only lights are the moon and the street poles that connect the walkway between each cottage. Some walked up Mount Jerai on the same road as the cars. I saw some who walked and some who biked as well. It was fun because I got to watch the monkeys roaming around the road, probably looking for food. Watch out! They’ll come to you if they sense that you’re trying to be friendly with them. Hold your belongings tight. This is what Hubby wants to see but he didn’t make it to this trip. My nephew said will return with Uncle when we return to Malaysia. Overall, the experience was great and recommended...

The road to Gunung Gerai is super narrow with inadequate number of convex mirrors at the each sharp blind corner. It is challenging to drive up to the hill, not to mention the small size of the existing convex mirrors are not helping much. The train from parking lot to the attraction park is like 150m. Not worth the ride which charges each person RM5. (They did not specify the short distance, thus this feels like a scam.) Visitor needs to pay RM5 for “eagle view” platform which again, really upset me. Some places are not well maintained whereby the grass outgrow the walking pavement and lots of mosquitoes biting us during the walk. Limited facilities available for visitor to experience which 70% of it subject to charge. Strawberry farm yet to grow any mature strawberries, nothing worth to visit. During the time when we are leaving the place, there is a slight traffic problem at the parking lot and the natives over there do not drive ethically and give few visitors the rude stare (what happens to the so called Malaysian hospitality?)

But still, you can visit this place if you want a short getaway with no expectation and only want to kill time. 1-2 hours...

If you’re a cyclist looking for a proper challenge in Kedah, Gunung Jerai is a must-ride. The climb is brutal, about 11km with an average gradient that sits in the high single digits, but with ramps that feel like they go straight to the sky. It’s a steady grind where pacing is everything, and you’ll definitely be reaching for your easiest gear.

Road surface is mostly good, with some sections a little rough but nothing unmanageable. Traffic is light, though you’ll still get the occasional car or motorbike, most drivers are courteous and give space. The scenery changes as you climb, from paddy fields at the base to lush rainforest higher up, and the air gets noticeably cooler as you near the summit.

The view at the top is worth every drop of sweat, on a clear day, you can see the coastline and paddy fields stretching out like a painting. The descent is fast but technical, so keep your lines clean and your brakes in check.

Bring enough water, and if you’re starting mid-day, prepare for the heat. It gets real down at the bottom. Definitely a climb you’ll remember, and maybe even come back to...